Welcome to Our Idol Rules

So, here it is... Our Idol Rules.

You see, like millions of TV viewers out there we have been intently watching American Idol since season #1. And all the while we've been struck by one thing... it's not the talent of the performers, it's not the brilliant simplicity of the show it is... the gigantic mistakes made by so many of the people that try out.

So many of these mistake are so simple... yet contestants make them over and over. And since we've grown tired of watching the contestants repeat these mistakes over and over we decided to list them here for all to see.

Disclaimer

Yeah, yeah, we know disclaimers are lame. But we do need to make it clear that this is strictly a fan site created and maintained in fun. All images and multi-media content are the property of the original copyright holder(s). This site is in no way affiliated with American Idol, FOX, FreemantlelMedia, 19 or any of their affiliates.

Remember this…Simon knows what he’s talking about. As a contestant you may not want to hear what he has to say. And disagreeing with Simon might seem like the popular thing to do. The point is that he’s been doing this for a long time in multiple countries and he knows what he’s doing. Instead of arguing with him in an attempt to fire up the crowd, listen to what he has to say. You’ll get further if you do.

A lot of contestants make the mistake of trying too hard to be “unique”. What they don’t understand is the huge difference between “unique” and “memorable”.

For example, Sanjaya was unique. The problem was that the only thing that made him unique was a wacky hair-do. At the end of the day, no matter how unique you are, you aren’t going to win.

On the other hand, past winners like Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Carrie Underwood were memorable. They were memorable because they were each able to combine a compelling story line with an outstanding voice. They didn’t rely on trying to be memorable, they just were memorable. And that’s why they won.

Resist the urge to ride the mechanical bull at the local bar or to take a midnight dip in the hotel swimming pool when you should be practicing for your next individual or group performance. That is, unless your goal is to get more air time on television showing how you can’t take anything in life seriously.

Just because a song is your favorite song of all time, doesn’t make it a good song choice for you. If it doesn’t showcase your vocal talent it’s not a good song choice. See Rule #9 for more clarification.

Don’t pick a song that has long instrumental breaks, say more than 5 seconds. You’ll end up trying to fill the space with a bunch of oohs, ahhs, and oh-yeahs. Or worse yet, you’ll try doing some silly dance move that you have no right doing and end up looking like a moron.

If you are considering singing “Somewhere over the rainbow”, “Unchained Melody”, or “Amazing Grace” force yourself to pick a different song. We’ve heard them before. We’ve heard them belted out by winners and divas. We’ve heard them sung better than you can sing them. We don’t want to hear them again.

Song choice isn’t really that hard. Just follow these guidelines:

Pick something that everyone watching has actually heard of.

Pick something that everyone watching hasn’t heard a million times on the show.

Submit YOUR IdolRule!

Have you thought of an IdolRule that we haven't? Do you think one of OurIdolRules needs to be revised? Then let us know! Just email your IdolRule to ouridolrules@gmail.com. If your IdolRule makes the cut we'll add it to the list...and you too will be an idol star (well, sort of).